Unsafe Lane Changes

Knoxville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Unsafe lane changes can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Knoxville motorcycle accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Mr. Hartsoe has represented numerous clients injured in motorcycle accidents. He will thoroughly gather information, work with accident specialists, and seek to hold the parties responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Mark C. Hartsoe today to discuss your case.

Motorcycle Accidents in Tennessee

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. A motorcycle lacks the structural protections that cars and trucks have. As a result, many motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe and fatal than in passenger vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 80,000 motorcyclists are injured in motorcycle wrecks each year.

The number of motorcycle accidents in Tennessee has increased in recent years. The Tennessee Department of Safety notes that the majority of motorcycle crashes occur in the spring and summer months. More than half of all motorcycle accidents happen over the weekend, with over one-fifth occurring on Saturdays. Over one hundred motorcycle accidents were fatal each year in both 2011 and 2012.

Liability for Unsafe Lane Changes Causing Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists in Tennessee have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. All motorists have a duty to use reasonable care when they operate their vehicles. Car and truck drivers, however, do not always exercise the required level of care when it comes to sharing the road with motorcyclists. Under Tennessee law, motorcyclists are entitled to occupy an entire lane in traffic. Other drivers cannot prevent motorcyclists from the full use of a lane. They must share the road with motorcyclists just as they would with any other vehicle.

Unfortunately, car and truck drivers may change lanes unsafely in an attempt to dominate motorcycles on the road. They may try to pass or overtake motorcycles without properly gauging the distance between them and the motorcycle. A distracted driver may overlook a motorcycle because of its size.

A motorist’s careless or reckless behavior can lead to serious injuries for a motorcyclist, including loss of limbs, internal injuries, and paralysis. These injuries often require a high level of medical care, and may hinder the injured person’s ability to earn a living.

Compensation and Recovery

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may seek compensation from the motorist whose careless actions led to your injuries. You can potentially recover for a range of damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and any loss of income due to the injuries from the accident.

If your relative suffered a fatal injury as a result of a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit against the person responsible for your loss. A wrongful death suit allows you to recover for the pain and suffering your loved one endured due to the injuries leading up to his or her death, and lets you recover for funeral, burial, and other expenses.

Motorcycle Accident Attorney Committed to Helping You

Knoxville personal injury attorney Mark C. Hartsoe can help you if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. Mr. Hartsoe is a seasoned lawyer with over twenty years of experience as a personal injury attorney. He has represented families and estates throughout Tennessee, successfully guiding them in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Mr. Hartsoe will work closely with you to gather information, build a strong case, and seek the compensation you deserve so that you can move forward. If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, call us today at (865) 524-5657 or contact us online for a free consultation.

I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson

★★★★★

I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder

★★★★★

I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger

★★★★★

I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter

★★★★★

Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar

We serve clients throughout Tennessee including those in the following localities: Knox County including Knoxville; Blount County including Alcoa, Louisville, and Maryville; Anderson County including Clinton and Oak Ridge; Bradley County including Cleveland; Campbell County including La Follette; Claiborne County including Tazewell; Cocke County including Newport; Cumberland County including Crossville; Fentress County including Jamestown; Grainger County including Rutledge; Greene County including Greeneville; Hamblen County including Morristown; Hamilton County including Chattanooga; Jefferson County including Dandridge, Jefferson City, and Strawberry Plains; Loudon County including Lenoir City and Loudon; McMinn County including Athens; and Monroe County including Madisonville.